Brazilian playmaker Kaka has insisted that he wants to spend the rest of his career with Milan.
The current World Player of the Year agreed a new contract extension with the Italian giants on Friday which will keep him at the club until 2013.
He has found himself continuously linked with a move to Real Madrid in the past, but having already enjoyed five successful years at the San Siro he has now expressed his desire to see out his playing days with the Rossoneri.
Kia Joorabchian insists he has 'no other choice' than to take legal action against West Ham United.
The businessman is suing the Hammers for alleged unpaid fees and costs regarding the Carlos Tevez affair.
Tevez, along with fellow Argentina international Javier Mascherano, was taken to Upton Park in August 2006 before joining Manchester United last summer.
The arrangement with the Hammers was deemed to be contrary to Premier League regulations, and Joorabchian hopes the court case will bring everything out into the open.
Roy Hodgson believes that he was the second choice for the Internazionale job back in 1995.
Hodgson, currently in charge of Premier League side Fulham, believes that the only reason he was handed the reins at the Italian giants was because Sir Alex Ferguson had already turned them down.
The Manchester United boss admitted this week that he had mulled over the idea of working abroad in the past, but had never been able to tear himself away from Old Trafford.
Hodgson, who has spent a career trekking the globe, feels that Ferguson would have been a huge success had he decided to leave these shores and admits that the opportunity may not have passed him by just yet.
Sir Alex Ferguson has branded Cristiano Ronaldo's strike rate as "phenomenal" as the winger closes in on 30 goals in all competitions this season.
The Manchester United star needs just one more to reach that magic milestone and has already eclipsed his total of 23 during the 2006/07 campaign.
With Fulham next up for the Red Devils on Saturday, Ronaldo should fancy his chances of reaching the total at Craven Cottage as he boasts an impressive record against them in recent games.
The Portuguese international has scored seven times in his last five appearances against the struggling Cottagers, a tally which includes a last-gasp winner in the corresponding fixture last season which put the Red Devils well on course to take the Premier League title.
Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal have found Eduardo da Silva's horror leg break 'very disturbing'.
The Gunners striker is facing at least nine months on the sidelines after Martin Taylor's third-minute challenge last weekend left him with a broken left fibula and dislocated ankle.
Wenger revealed the club are still coming to terms with what happened at St Andrews, and the Emirates Stadium boss appears unmoved by Taylor's clear remorse and subsequent apologies.
And the Frenchman has again reiterated his view that Arsenal are on the receiving end of more bad tackles than any other team in the Premier League.
Arsenal star Alexander Hleb has rejected reports linking him with a possible move to Internazionale.
Reports earlier this week suggested Inter were lining up a summer swoop for the midfield schemer.
Hleb has enjoyed a fantastic season to date with Arsenal and has been inspirational in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
The form of the Belarus international is believed to have attracted the attention of a host of top clubs including Inter and Barcelona.
However, Hleb insists he is unaware of any interest and that he is happy at Arsenal.
Sven Goran Eriksson believes that Manchester City are still capable of claiming a European spot.
The Swede has seen his side win just two of their last seven games in the Premier League and are now three points off the pace in the battle for a top-six finish.
They only have 11 games in which to push themselves back into the reckoning, but their manager remains quietly confident of accumulating enough points to ensure they will be celebrating come the end of the season.
Rafa Benitez has given his backing to Steven Gerrard following the Liverpool skipper's admission that not even winning the UEFA Champions League would make up for a disappointing Premier League campaign.
Liverpool have once again impressed in the Champions League this season and are well placed to advance to the quarter-finals.
But Gerrard this week insisted that finishing fifth in the league would be unacceptable regardless of what happens in Europe.
His comments were interpreted in some quarters as an attack on Benitez but the Reds boss maintains that he can understand Gerrard's point of view.
Benitez has dismissed any talk of a rift and is satisfied that Gerrard will continue to show his full commitment in both the Champions League and the Premier League.
He said: "My relationship with Steven is very good. I was talking with him today before training after reading his interview in our magazine. It was clear what he was saying and everybody feels the same way.
"We must progress in the Champions League, and Steven has told me how amazing it was to win it and how important that medal is to him.
"Now he wants to win the Champions League and to finish fourth in the league.
Avram Grant has hit back at his critics and played down the bust-up between Henk ten Cate and John Terry.
Chelsea turned in a disappointing performance as they lost to Tottenham in the Carling Cup final last week and Grant has faced criticism for a number of his decisions.
But he insists he should be allowed to move on without there being such speculation about his future, after enjoying a successful start to his Chelsea reign.
Asked about his relationship with the players following the defeat by Spurs, Grant reacted angrily.
"Why didn't you ask that question a week ago?" he fumed.
"Just because we lost one game, now this is wrong, that is wrong.
"I don't want to defend myself about this. The spirit is very good in the team, the situation is very good with the team.
Leaders Arsenal must focus fully on their Premier League title bid with champions Manchester United just three points adrift.
The Gunners were understandably knocked from their stride by Eduardo da Silva's horrific leg break in the opening minutes of their match at Birmingham.
But having hit back from a goal down to lead 2-1 with time running out, Arsene Wenger's side let two vital points slip from their grasp with Gael Clichy conceding a late penalty which James McFadden gratefully slammed home.
Captain William Gallas' response was to throw the kind of tantrum many toddlers would be proud of, before dumping himself on self-imposed 'naughty seat' near the centre circle with tears threatening to roll down his cheeks as his disconsolate team-mates trooped off.
A little more leadership will be required at Emirates Stadium with Aston Villa, who took a point in the first-ever Premier League game at the Gunners' new home, the visitors on Saturday.
Manchester United took full advantage as they thumped hapless Newcastle 5-1 at St James' Park, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side now travelling to Craven Cottage to take on a Fulham side struggling in the drop zone.
Chelsea's improbable quadruple bid fell at the first hurdle as they were beaten by Tottenham in the Carling Cup final, and they now find themselves nine points off the pace in the league.
Avram Grant's men do have a game in hand, but will need to show a marked improvement on their Wembley display when they make the trip across London to tackle West Ham.
The race for fourth remains tight and tense with Everton currently in pole position as they welcome fellow high-flyers Portsmouth to Goodison Park, live on Sky Sports 1.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has far loftier ambitions as he admitted this week that the even winning the UEFA Champions League would not make up for the club's shortcomings on the domestic front.
But fourth is the best the Anfield outfit can hope for this term, although Sunday's trip to Bolton, live on Sky Sports 1, will be another stern examination, with the Reebok Stadium rarely a happy hunting ground for Rafa Benitez's men.
Manchester City's Eastlands defeat by the Toffees on Monday saw them slip off the pace somewhat, and they will be determined to get back to winning ways with another home meeting against Wigan.
At the other end of the table, Sunderland will not get a better chance to end their hunt for an away victory as they make the trip to doomed Derby.
Reading, who have lost eight games on the spin to slide into the bottom three, travel to the North East to face Middlesbrough.
Newcastle's form is little better, as Kevin Keegan's search for a first win since his return to St James' Park continues against Blackburn.
Tottenham must hope the hangover from their Carling Cup triumph has cleared when they come up against Birmingham at St Andrews, with the Blues eager to pull clear of the relegation places.
Arsenal have lost at home to Villa just twice, those defeats coming in the first two Premier League seasons, since then they have picked up nine wins and four draws. The Gunners have not lost in their last 18 Premier League games against Villa home or away. Villa have scored in their last 22 games, the best current run in the top-flight, but they haven't kept a clean sheet since November.
Spurs have kept consecutive clean sheets away from home, something they last achieved in the Premier League in August 2005. The reverse fixture where Birmingham won 3-2 was Alex McLeish's first game in charge. Robbie Keane has scored six goals in his last seven Premier League games against Birmingham, but he was sent off in the fixture at White Hart Lane.
Sunderland have the worst away record in the top flight with just two points and they have lost the last 10 in a row. Derby have the worst home record with six points from 13 games and the most goals conceded (24). The Rams have never scored more than one goal in a game against Sunderland in the Premier League.
Fulham have lost their last six encounters against United and the Red Devils have never failed to score at Craven Cottage in the Premier League. Louis Saha has scored in all three of his Premier League starts against his former club, while Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in each of his last five starts against Fulham, netting seven in total.
Reading have lost their last eight Premier League games in a row and failed to score in five of the last seven. In their last three home games Boro have scored one goal in each, earning seven points in the process.
Newcastle have lost three of the last four games they have played against Blackburn at St James' without scoring in those three defeats. In their 12 Premier League visits to Newcastle, Blackburn have failed to score just twice. Since dispensing with Sam Allardyce's services, Newcastle have picked up just two points from 18 and conceded 19 goals in the process.
West Ham have lost just once in their last nine home games, but the Hammers have lost their last five encounters against Chelsea, shipping 13 goals in the process. The two sides have not shared the points in the top flight since March 2000. Chelsea have lost just once in their last nine away Premier League matches, winning seven and drawing one.
City have taken just one point from their previous five Premier League meetings with Wigan and both games at Eastlands ended 1-0 to the visitors. The Latics have kept just one clean sheet in their last 18 Premier League away games. City have not managed to win any of their last five matches at home in the Premier League.
Bolton have scored only two goals in their last four home games, but have failed to score in this fixture just once, in their first season in the Premier League, when they lost 1-0. The Trotters have lost their last two encounters with the Reds shipping seven goals. Liverpool have won just once in their last six league away games and have scored just one goal in their last four away trips.
Everton have lost just one game in the last eight at Goodison Park, against leaders Arsenal. The match against the Gunners was also the only league home game in the last six where Everton have conceded. This fixture at Goodison Park has never ended as a draw in the Premier League era and Portsmouth have not drawn an away game since the opening match of the season at Derby.
Javier Mascherano has signed a four-year contract to stay with Liverpool on a permanent basis.
The Argentine midfielder originally moved to Anfield over 12 months ago on loan following a brief stint at West Ham United.
Liverpool have been involved in protracted negotiations to secure Mascherano on a permanent deal, with the likes of Juventus and Barcelona rumoured to be waiting in the wings.
An agreement has now been finalised and the 23-year-old expressed his delight at committing his future to Rafa Benitez's side.
Barcelona have moved to within two points of Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid as a Samuel Eto'o hat-trick helped secure a 5-1 demolition of Levante at the Camp Nou.
Spanish international midfielder Xavi put Barcelona in front after 14 minutes against Levante, but Riga Mustapha then stunned the home crowd when he hit an equaliser from the penalty spot on 41 minutes.
The goal stung Barcelona, who defeated Celtic in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, and they immediately responded as Lionel Messi netted on 44 minutes.
And after the interval Eto'o became the star of the show as he hit his first on 56 minutes before adding a second six minutes later.
Eto'o the ensured he was taking the match ball home as he completed his hat-trick with three minutes remaining.
Barcelona have closed the gap after Real slipped to a surprise 1-0 home defeat to Getafe.
Ikechukwu Uche took advantage of Real complacency on 64 minutes to put fire the only goal of the game.
Villarreal kept up their pursuit of Real and Barcelona as they secured a 2-1 away win over Athletic Bilbao.
Bilbao had taken the lead through Fernando Llorente on three minutes at San Mames.
However, Guillermo Franco then hit twice (66 and 84) to hand Villarreal the points.
Elsewhere, fourth placed Atletico Madrid endured a torrid end to a bad week as they slumped 3-1 away to struggling Osasuna.
Atletico crashed out of the Uefa Cup to Bolton in midweek and the latest defeat dents their hopes of a place in next season's European competitions.
Osasuna, who sat 17th at kick-off, took the lead through Clemente Sola on 2 minutes and Carlos Vela then added a second three minutes later.
Diego Forlan pulled one back for Atletico on 26 minutes, but after the interval Hector Font (76) secured the points for Osasuna, who move up to 12th.
Espanyol also suffered a surprise defeat as they lost 2-0 to Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor.
Fabricio Coloccini opened the scoring after 18 minutes and Angel Lafita secured the points six minutes later.
Second-bottom Murcia's relegation fears continue as they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Real Valladolid.
Joseba Llorente struck after 42 minutes to leave Murcai looking nervously over their shoulders.
Racing Santander boosted their hopes of a place in Europe next season as Mohamed Tchite hit the back of the net after 61 minutes to earn the points at home against nine-man Almeria.
Cisma Domingo and Veljko Paunovic both saw red for the visitors late on after collecting two bookings.
Honours were left even between Real Mallorca and Real Betis at the Ono Estadi as they played out a 1-1 draw.
Fernando Varela gave Mallorca the lead on 56 minutes, but Edu then earned a point with 20 minutes remaining.
Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Villarreal
Carlos Martins struck a second-half equaliser for Recreativo Huelva to heap more pressure on Valencia manager Ronald Koeman.
Valencia have now managed just two wins in 13 league fixtures as Saturday evening's encounter at the Mestalla ended 1-1.
Juan Mata handed the home side the lead on 39 minutes, however Martins (52) restored parity to secure a valuable point for Recreativo.
The result sees Manolo Zambrano's men climb to 14th in Primera Division, while Valencia remain ninth.
Argentine goalkeeper Willy Caballero has expressed his delight after Arsenal dispatched a scout to watch him at the weekend.
The Elche shot-stopper was in fine form as he helped his side claim a goalless draw with Real Sociedad.
Wenger's Spanish network took the chance to watch the highly-rated Caballero whilst also checking on the progress of midfield starlet Fran Merida - who is on loan at Sociedad for the rest of the season.
Caballero admits he was delighted to turn in such a good performance knowing the English giants had people watching him.
Spanish starlet Marc Muniesa has not agreed a deal to sign for Chelsea, his agent has confirmed.
The 15-year-old is rated as one of the most promising youngsters at Camp Nou - but Barca are again fearing that he could be tempted away by the lure of the Premier League.
Barca have been hard hit by raids on their youth academy in recent seasons with the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique - to name but two - spirited away by Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
Now Chelsea, who only last week caused furore in Italy when they agreed a deal for Reggina's 15-year-old Vincenzo Camilleri, are now said to be making moves to land Muniesa.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Anderson and Nani are set to become stars at Old Trafford.
The duo arrived from Sporting Lisbon and Porto, respectively, last summer and Ferguson believes he has seen 'evidence' that the youngsters have the potential to become long-term fixtures in the United side.
Anderson sat out United's convincing 5-1 Premier League victory over Newcastle on Saturday but the 19-year old has caught the eye since arriving in England in July last year.
Ferguson admits Nani , who completed a full 90 minutes at St James' Park, has required more time to adapt to the English game but the United boss feels the 21-year-old is also beginning to demonstrate his potential.
Cesc Fabregas has revealed he and his Arsenal team-mates were determined to prove the critics wrong this season and the midfielder admits it would be 'unbelievable' to win the Premier League.
The young Gunners had been tipped to struggle this campaign after the summer loss of star striker to Thierry Henry to Barcelona.
However, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League and are midway through their two-legged UEFA Champions League last 16 clash with Milan.
The Gunners host Aston Villa, who are chasing a place in Europe, in the league on Saturday and ahead of the meeting Fabregas has revealed Arsenal's determination.
Gary Neville played an hour for Manchester United's reserves as he stepped up his latest bid to return to full fitness.
The England full-back has spent just short of a year on the sidelines having seen numerous comebacks hampered by injury.
The United skipper played 60 minutes for The Red Devils' second string against Liverpool on Tuesday - but he could not prevent them from going down to a 2-0 defeat at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Liverpool also had Daniel Agger stepping up his fitness bid along side the likes of Harry Kewell and Xabi Alonso.
It was Alonso and Kewell who grabbed the goals in-front of over 10,000 fans
Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb has launched a scathing attack on the Football Association after it rejected Jeremie Aliadiere's appeal against his sending off at Liverpool.
Referee Lee Mason dismissed Aliadiere for slapping Javier Mascherano - who raised his hands to the Frenchman - but let the Liverpool midfielder off with a warning.
Boro appealed, but the FA's regulatory commission rejected the claim and extended the ban by another match to four games as they claimed the decision to object to the original sending off was branded as 'frivolous'.
The Teesside club, though, have hit back and Lamb has described the FA's decision as a 'travesty of justice' and insisted they were being treated different as they were not one of the 'big boys'.
iverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has insisted he is not planning to sell his stake in the club.
Hicks and co-owner George Gillett have been continually linked with selling their stakes in the club over the last few months.
However, American billionaire Hicks claims he is completely committed to Liverpool and has rejected reports that he has invited Dubai International Capital (DIC) to inspect the club's accounts in preparation for a takeover.
Manchester United were absolutely awesome on Saturday and outclassed Arsenal in that 4-0 win.
I know people will say Arsenal weren't up for it and didn't show much respect for the FA Cup, but United didn't allow them to settle and that was the big difference.
United were coming into that match on the back of a defeat to Man City and I know how I would have felt as a player after a couple of bad results, particularly losing a derby game.
Nobody likes getting beat in a derby, least of all at home on an emotional day.
I think they all realised they had to give something back and it wouldn't have mattered if it was a kick-about in the park or an FA Cup final, they were going to be up for that game on Saturday night.
All those things came together and that's why the magic happened against a top team like Arsenal.
The work-rate was tremendous. When I was at Liverpool, we always said Ian Rush was the first line of defence. Well, for Ian Rush, read Wayne Rooney because he absolutely excellent.
He worked the frontline and everybody else responded behind him. They closed down at every opportunity, choked Arsenal and Rooney could have scored three or four himself quite easily
Will they be able to repeat that sort of performance on Wednesday? It's hard to say because a Champions League knock-out game is quite different to an FA Cup match.
United have got to play this game in the way they normally would. They'll play with one up front and one just behind, as opposed to two out-and-out strikers, and a four-man midfield with either of the two central players able to get forward.
They've got goalscoring down to a tee from all kinds of positions and they are always a threat. And I think they'll need that against this Lyon team, I really do.
Lyon are one of those teams in the last few years who have threatened to break the mould of teams from Italy, England and Spain getting to the latter stages of the Champions League, but they've not quite done it.
They've run away with the French League for six seasons. This year they're at the top, but there's a bit more competition for them this time around.
Having won the league so many times, other things will start to take priority. The fans and the people who run the club start setting their sights higher and they will want to stake a claim for the Champions League.
The French League is currently fourth or fifth in the European football stakes and Lyon will see themselves as the team that can potentially lift French football a notch higher.
They have set a precedent in the last few seasons, but they want to get further than the quarter-finals, which is as far as they've got in recent seasons. I can see them having a really good go at the Champions League this year.
I think they could give Manchester United a run for their money. They will be really, really up for this game.
The team had a big wake-up call when they lost at home to Rangers earlier in this competition. I watched that game for Soccer Special and while I was very impressed with Rangers, I was very disappointed with Lyon.
Even though they were playing at home, they failed to create and they failed to break down Rangers, who do not exactly have one of the great defences in European football.
But they were fired up for that do-or-die return match in Glasgow when they needed to win to go through and on that night they showed their true potential.
We'll see more of that sort of performance on Wednesday. There won't be any need to motivate the Lyon players and I think it will be a really tough game for United.
They'll certainly have to watch out for Juninho, who is quite extraordinary with his set pieces.
They've got a dangerous goalscorer in Karim Benzema and Hartem Ben Arfa is another very good player. He's only young, but I know Liverpool have been tracking him for the last three years. They've got some real talent in that team.
However, I still think there is a massive gap between the top of French football and the top of English football and I think Man United will get what they need - and an away draw would be a good result.
Late goals from Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt helped Liverpool see off 10-man Internazionale at Anfield, while Chelsea drew with Olympiakos in Greece.
Rafa Benitez's position has come under intense scrutiny following Saturday's humbling FA Cup exit at the hands of Barnsley, with the UEFA Champions League clash against the Serie A leaders seen as key to the Spaniard's future.
Marco Materazzi was very harshly dismissed in the 30th minute for two questionable bookings after challenges on Fernando Torres, but the home side struggled to break down a resolute Inter team until their late double despite dominating proceedings due to their numerical advantage.
Chelsea will be happy enough with a 0-0 scoreline from the first leg of their last-16 meeting with Olympiakos in Piraeus.
Avram Grant made 11 changes from the side which defeated Huddersfield at the weekend, leaving John Terry and Frank Lampard on the bench with one eye on Sunday's Carling Cup final against Tottenham at Wembley.
Roma came from behind to defeat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico and Schalke take a slender advantage to Portugal after Kevin Kuranyi scored the only goal of the game against Porto.
With Benitez under pressure, he needed his Liverpool players to deliver against Inter, but they left it very late to secure a vital victory.
Roberto Mancini's men were dealt a cruel blow with just 30 minutes on the clock when former Everton defender Materazzi was dismissed for two incredibly harsh bookings.
The first yellow came in the 12th minute when Torres cut across the centre-back as he chased a ball out onto the right flank and the striker went to ground after his heels were accidentally clipped.
And referee Frank De Bleeckere then issued a red card to the Italy international when he laid a hand on Torres' shoulder with the Spaniard hitting the deck theatrically under minimal contact.
Liverpool's star striker was then denied by a stunning save from Julio Cesar, with the Inter keeper diving to his left to keep out Torres' low shot after he broke clear following a fortunate ricochet in midfield.
Sami Hyypia then headed Kuyt's chipped cross over after a clever corner routine, before the Reds were denied a penalty when Gerrard's attempted cross was blocked by Patrick Vieira's raised hands.
Just as it looked as though Inter would hold out, Kuyt fired home Pennant's cross five minutes from time with the aid of a huge deflection off Maicon, before Gerrard gave Liverpool a two-goal cushion with a low long-range effort which crept beyond Julio Cesar and into the bottom corner in front of the Kop.
Chelsea head back to Stamford Bridge level with Olympiakos after a dour meeting in Greece failed to produce any goals.
A much-changed Blues team, which had Didier Drogba back in the starting line-up and Nicolas Anelka on the bench, held out in the hostile atmosphere but were unable to find an important away goal.
Roma came from behind against Real Madrid to take a narrow advantage to Spain with goals from David Pizarro and Mancini.
Real seized an early advantage thanks to arch goal-poacher Raul's 60th in European competition.
Arjen Robben cut the ball back from the left wing and although Guti's shot from outside the area lacked power, Raul got a crucial touch to divert it beyond Alexandre Doni with Roma appealing in vain for offside.
Despite dominating, Real could not build on their lead and were pegged back when Pizarro smashed the loose ball home via Gabriel Heinze after Mancini's pull-back evaded Francesco Totti.
And Roma took the lead when Heinze attempted to get to the ball ahead of Totti, but missed it completely, allowing the striker to play in Mancini who rounded Iker Casillas before deftly finishing.
Ruud van Nistelrooy hit the post in the closing stages but Bernd Schuster's men could not fashion an equaliser.
Kevin Kuranyi's early goal was enough for Schalke to overcome Porto, but the German side may live to regret not taking greater advantage of their first-half dominance.
Schalke took the lead with just four minutes on the clock when a neat passing move found Rafinha on the left corner of the Porto box.
The full-back's low shot could only be pushed out into the six-yard box by Porto keeper Helton and Kuranyi was on hand to pounce on the rebound.
Porto improved after the break and should have equalised only for Lisandro Lopez to miss a glorious chance to level when he fired wide with 10 minutes remaining.
Clarence Seedorf believes the experience and cunning of Milan will see Arsenal eliminated from the UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners host Milan at Emirates Stadium for the first leg of their last 16 Champions League clash on Wednesday as Arsene Wenger's young side go in search of their first European Cup success.
However, Milan midfielder Seedorf - who won the competition with the Italian giants last season - believes his side will prove too strong for Arsenal over two legs.
"In my view, although Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe and have been playing very well lately, they lack experience," Seedorf said in the Sunday Mirror.
Tomas Rosicky is set to miss Arsenal's UEFA Champions League clash with Milan as a result of his ongoing knee ligament injury.
The midfielder has been out of action since January and now looks likely to miss the first leg of the Gunners' last 16 Champions League clash with holders Milan at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
And Rosicky, who has earned 67 caps for the Czech Republic, accepts he is going to have to be patient as his injury heals.
"I cannot say anything new about my injury," Rosicky said on his official website. "The treatment goes on.
Dietmar Hamann believes their February break has come at an ideal time, as Manchester City prepare for a final push for European qualification.
City's derby day success last weekend at Old Trafford has once again got the blue faithful dreaming of European excursions next season.
And while the majority of City's players would have been eager to build on a fine result with another immediate fixture, wise old head Hamann is armed with a differing perspective.
The 34-year-old is convinced that the break provided those not involved in FA Cup exertions at the weekend with an ideal an opportunity to re-charge the batteries.
The draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals has taken place at Soho Square.
It is another all Premier League tie for Manchester United as they drew Portsmouth in the last eight.
Holders Chelsea are again up against Yorkshire opposition as they face a trip to Barnsley.
League One Bristol Rovers have been handed a home tie against Championship side West Bromwich Albion.
The winners of the Sheffield United/Middlesbrough replay will host Cardiff City.
Sheffield United or Middlesbrough v Cardiff
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Bristol Rovers v West Bromwich Albion
Barnsley v Chelsea
Ties to be played 8th & 9th March
Jamie Carragher admits Liverpool are simply 'not good enough'.
The Liverpool-born stopper was part of the Reds side that bowed out to Barnsley in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday in one of the biggest cup shocks in recent history.
Now with the club far from certain of a top-four finish in the Premier League, Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Internazionale looks every increasingly crucial to their season.
But Carragher admits the club are not just hitting a blip in form, as they currently sit some 19 points off leaders Arsenal in the league.
"I wouldn't call this just a bad spell," Carragher said.
"It's been a lot longer than that. We realise we are not playing well enough. It's not a matter of putting your finger on one reason.
"It's simply because we have not been good enough. We've still got the Champions League to play for and we have to fight for that fourth place, so every league game is going to be important.
"We have to make sure we are in the Champions League next season."
Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with 15-year-old defender Paul Jose Mpoklu, who has also attracted the interest of Spurs.
The Congolese, from Belgian club Standard Liege, has already had a trial with Tottenham, who are keen to sign him when he turns 16.
But now Sir Alex Ferguson's United have offered a trial to the highly regarded youngster, who has a Belgian passport, and want to snap him up before he signs any formal deal with Liege.
Speaking of the situation, Mpoklu told the Daily Mirror: "I will have to wait a few months before I make a decision.
Manchester United were in inspired form as they destroyed Arsenal 4-0 at Old Trafford to advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
The Gunners may have opened up a five-point lead in the Premier League but they were completely outplayed as United raced into a 3-0 lead at half-time.
Wayne Rooney, who produced a dazzling display up front, headed United in front after 16 minutes and Darren Fletcher got in front of William Gallas to nod in Nani's excellent cross four minutes later.
Nani added a third with a powerful finish on 38 minutes and things went from bad to worse for Arsenal after the break as Emmanuel Eboue was sent off for a kick on Patrice Evra.
Fletcher headed in a fourth in the 74th minute as United cruised through the second half, and Arsenal had no answer as they meekly bowed out of the competition.
Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United have riches in abundance in their bid for the treble.
The dream is still alive following the 4-0 defeat of title rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Next up is a UEFA Champions League match against Lyon on Wednesday followed by a Premier League clash with Newcastle three days later.
Rooney feels United's strength in depth could hold the key in the coming weeks.
Certainly they have marvellous options in the middle of the park. There lies a cast list of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson, Ji-Sung Park, and Darren Fletcher.
"Last season we had to play all the players in every game," said Rooney.
"But this season you see Scholesy getting a rest - and at the end of the season that (resting players) could be very crucial.
Arsenal star Gilberto Silva has warned Manchester United winger Nani he could get a kicking if he does cut out his showboating.
Nani's showboating antics during United's 4-0 win over Arsenal in their FA Cup clash on Saturday infuriated the Arsenal squad who felt the Portuguese international was showing them a lack of respect.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger both condemened Nani for overstepping the mark.
The summer signing from Sporting Lisbon came in for some rough treatment following his showboating and Gilberto has warned he could come in for the same if he continues his antics.
Sir Alex Ferguson is happy to have another home tie in the FA Cup despite being drawn against another top-flight side.
Manchester United have taken on top-flight opposition in the last three rounds and have seen off Aston Villa, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Despite the possibility of being paired with Bristol Rovers, West Brom, Barnsley or Cardiff, United were handed a home clash with Portsmouth in the quarter-finals.
Ferguson is disappointed to have drawn Premier League opposition again, but is expecting a good atmosphere when Pompey come to Old Trafford for the second time in the FA Cup in two seasons.
Portugal international Paulo Ferreira has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea.
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Arsenal captain William Gallas has escaped disciplinary action over his clash with Manchester United's Nani.
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Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Manchester United could sign Lyon striker Karim Benzema. The Red Devils boss watched Benzema, along with his team-mate winger Hatem Ben Arfa, last weekend and will get a further chance to see the pair when his side face Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday.
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Tottenham youngster Tomas Pekhart claims Paul Robinson refused to warm up the first time he was dropped by Juande Ramos.
Ramos left Robinson out of his starting XI for the first leg of Spurs' Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal, with Radek Cerny getting the nod.
The England international, who did not feature in Fabio Capello's first squad, has been forced to look on from the bench ever since with Pekhart's Czech compatriot Cerny making the position his own.
And teenage forward Pekhart, who moved to White Hart Lane from Slavia Prague in the summer of 2006, has revealed how Robinson reacted badly to the news he had been dropped.
Tottenham youngster Tomas Pekhart claims Paul Robinson refused to warm up the first time he was dropped by Juande Ramos.
Ramos left Robinson out of his starting XI for the first leg of Spurs' Carling Cup semi-final against Arsenal, with Radek Cerny getting the nod.
The England international, who did not feature in Fabio Capello's first squad, has been forced to look on from the bench ever since with Pekhart's Czech compatriot Cerny making the position his own.
And teenage forward Pekhart, who moved to White Hart Lane from Slavia Prague in the summer of 2006, has revealed how Robinson reacted badly to the news he had been dropped.
Blackburn have confirmed they are in talks with Benni McCarthy about a new deal at Ewood Park.
McCarthy still has two years to run on his current contract, but Rovers are ready to hand him an extension to keep him for the foreseeable future.
The former Porto star enjoyed a fine debut season at Blackburn, but he has struggled to replicate that form this term.
Rovers boss Mark Hughes is determined to keep McCarthy and the club hope to tie him down to a new deal to ward off potential suitors.
Rovers chairman John Williams confirmed talks were ongoing with McCarthy's agent regarding a new contract.
"Discussions have been on-going for quite a while and we will continue to talk," Williams told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.
On-loan Manchester United striker Manucho is looking to the future as he prepares to join up with his new Panathinaikos team-mates in Greece.
The Red Devils have loaned the star out until June after he failed to get a work permit as he has not featured in 75 per cent of Angola's matches over the last two years.
But the future is looking bright for the player following his exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored four goals in as many games to help unfancied Angola make it to the quarter-finals before losing to eventual winners Egypt.
Looking forward to working in Greece, Manucho, who is yet to play for his new side, said: "I just want to meet my new colleagues and technical staff and win their support so I can work as well as they want me to.
Barcelona have reportedly made Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger their top target to replace Frank Rijkaard.
Reports emanating from Spain suggest Barca chiefs have targeted Wenger as the man to take charge at Camp Nou, should Rijkaard leave the club this summer.
Rijkaard's future at Barca has been the subject of intense speculation over the last few months after an indifferent season to date.
Barca currently trail Real Madrid by eight points in La Liga and if they fail to win the title, Rijkaard is expected to be axed.
The likes of Jose Mourinho and Marco van Basten have been mentioned as possible candidates for the job, but Catalan daily El Mundo Deportivo claims Wenger is the preferred choice of the Barcelona board.
Barca president Joan Laporta and vice president Ferran Soriano are known to be big admirers of Wenger and believe the Frenchman is the right man to replace Rijkaard.
Arsenal would resist any move to lure Wenger away from North London and the Frenchman only signed a new three-year deal at the Emirates last September.
PSV Eindhoven beat Helsingborg 2-0 at home to stand on the brink of a place in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup.
First-half goals from Timmy Simons and Danko Lazovic ensured the Dutch champions are in control heading into the second leg in Sweden.
The hosts enjoyed a dream start to the match when Simons converted a penalty after just seven minutes when Lazovic was hauled down by Daniel Andersson.
On the half-hour mark, PSV almost added a second when Ibrahim Afellay struck the post after Balazs Dzsudzsak's shot had been blocked.
But three minutes later, PSV did net a second goal when Lazovic finished clinically from Afellay's cross.
The second half contained few chances of note as PSV comfortably closed out the win to leave Helsingborg with a mountain to climb.
Slavia Prague or Tottenham Hotspur will await the winners in the last 16, with the second leg to be played next week.
PSV Eindhoven beat Helsingborg 2-0 at home to stand on the brink of a place in the last 16 of the Uefa Cup.
First-half goals from Timmy Simons and Danko Lazovic ensured the Dutch champions are in control heading into the second leg in Sweden.
The hosts enjoyed a dream start to the match when Simons converted a penalty after just seven minutes when Lazovic was hauled down by Daniel Andersson.
On the half-hour mark, PSV almost added a second when Ibrahim Afellay struck the post after Balazs Dzsudzsak's shot had been blocked.
But three minutes later, PSV did net a second goal when Lazovic finished clinically from Afellay's cross.
The second half contained few chances of note as PSV comfortably closed out the win to leave Helsingborg with a mountain to climb.
Slavia Prague or Tottenham Hotspur will await the winners in the last 16, with the second leg to be played next week.
David Moyes praised his side after second-half goals from Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe gave Everton a vital away win over SK Brann in the Uefa Cup on Wednesday night.
Osman put the Toffees in front on 59 minutes before Anichebe then doubled the lead on 88 minutes.
The result means Everton are in the driving seat to progress into the last 16 of the competition - against the winners of the Rosenborg-Fiorentina tie - when the teams play the second leg at Goodison Park next Thursday.
As an added bonus, the victory in Norway set a new Everton record, being the Toffees' sixth successive European victory.
And Anichebe, with his fourth in the competition this season, is just one short of setting a club record for a European run.
Praising his side, manager Moyes said: "I am delighted with the way we turned this game around.
"In the first half we were not going anywhere, we were not passing the ball quickly enough and we were not showing enough pace around the pitch.
"Brann are a good side. They have just won the Norwegian championship and beaten a top side like Rosenborg to do it, so we know we have produced a very good victory here.
"But we needed to improve after the break. We seemed to be trying to do everything perfectly, it was causing us problems and we were losing possession.
"But we got better as the game went on and Leon Osman and Victor scored fine goals.
"I will not start thinking about the next round until we have completed the job, the second leg being next week.
Rangers face a must-win away trip to Panathinaikos after drawing 0-0 with their Greek opponents at Ibrox in the first leg of their last 32 Uefa Cup clash.
The first 45 minutes offered little in the way of goalmouth action, but Rangers could have taken the lead when Nacho Novo broke onto a long ball from Steven Davis only to be denied by Mario Galinovic in the Panathinaikos goal.
Rangers appeared after the interval in determined mood and Galinovic, who has yet to concede in Europe this season, produced a fine double save as the shot-stopper parried a 20-yard Barry Ferguson volley and then tipped Novo's follow-up around the post.
Walter Smith introduced Daniel Cousin, who has yet to receive Fifa sanctioning for his move to Fulham, but the substitution had little impact.
Panathinaikos could have snatched a lead late on, but Rangers goalkeeper Alan McGregor produced his own double denial from Dame Ndoye to leave honours even ahead of the second leg on 21st February.
On-loan Fulham midfielder Davis made his debut but the biggest cheer when the teams were read out was reserved for fans' favourite Novo, who earned his first start since the win over Inverness in early November.
Everton took a giant step towards the last 16 of the Uefa Cup as Rangers were held at home, while Zenit St Petersburg surprised Villarreal and Werder Bremen cruised past Braga.
David Moyes' Everton side secured a hard-fought 2-0 away win against SK Brann to give their hopes of reaching the next round a major boost ahead of the second leg at Goodison Park on 21st February.
Everton did the damage in the second half as Leon Osman struck in the 59th minute before European super sub Victor Anichebe again worked his magic to net a second with two minutes remaining.
Rangers were held to a 0-0 draw with Panathinaikos at Ibrox to leave Walter Smith's side facing a must-win second leg clash in Greece next week.
Forward Nacho Novo was guilty of missing a number of chances on a rare start for Rangers to leave the Scottish side facing a tough task to book a place in the next round.
Werder Bremen look to have all but assured themselves a place in the next round as they rolled over Braga 3-0 at the Weser Stadion.
The second placed Bundesliga side wasted little time in opening the scoring as Naldo pounced after five minutes and Daniel Jensen added a second shortly before the half-hour mark.
Braga were guilty of missing twice from the spot before Hugo Almeida showed the Portuguese side how it should be done with a penalty deep into injury time.
Pavel Pogrebnyak capitalised on a 63rd minute mistake from Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Lopez to hand Zenit St Petersburg a 1-0 home win over their Spanish opponents.
Lopez made a hash of a clearance to allow Pogrebnyak the simple task of tapping in to leave Villarreal, who sit third in La Liga, requiring a win to progress.
Galatasaray, who won the competition in 2000, were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Bayer Leverkusen to leave their tie tantalisingly poised ahead of the second leg.
An injury time strike from Mbo Mpenza handed Anderlecht a slender 2-1 first leg advantage over Bordeaux as the Belgium international forward fired a late winner.
A 69th minute Ferreyra Jussie penalty had given Bordeaux the lead but Jan Polak equalised with 11 minutes remaining before substitute Mpenza completed the turn around.
Ismael Blanco struck in the fourth minute of injury time to earn AEK Athens a 1-1 home draw with Getafe.
Ruben De la Red thought he had won the contest for Getafe with an 86th minute goal at the Nikos Goumas Stadium, but Blanco struck to leave honours even.
Marseille, who narrowly missed out on a place in the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League, cruised to a 3-0 victory over Spartak Moscow at the Stade Velodrome.
Second-half goals from Beniot Cheyrou (62), Taye Taiwo (68) and Mamadou Niang (79) gave the French side a comfortable lead to take to Russia.
Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven are also in a strong position as they defeated Helsingborg 2-0 at the Philips Stadion.
A seventh minute Timmy Simons penalty gave the Dutch side the lead before Danko Lazovic added a second 12 minutes before half-time.
Simon Vukcevic netted a brace to hand Sporting Lisbon a 2-0 first leg lead over Basel.
Vukcevis hit home in the eighth minute before adding a second after the interval to leave Sporting in a healthy position.
Galatasaray 0 Bayer Leverkusen 0
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson accepts Daniel Cousin is in "some sort of limbo" with his proposed move from Rangers referred to Fifa - but maintains the £3million deal is "still alive".
Gabon international Cousin had arrived at Ibrox in early August from Lens, whom he played in both a French league game and Intertoto Cup match.
However, when the forward looked set for a switch Craven Cottage, and had spent time training with the Cottagers, the transfer was vetoed under Fifa regulations preventing players featuring for three clubs in the same season.
Nevertheless, both Fulham and Rangers are still hopeful special dispensation will be granted, as everything had been completed, in principle, ahead of the closure of the transfer window on 31st January.
Hodgson insisted: "Yes, it is still alive.
"Fifa have requested further documents and I believe that one of their important executive committee members, who chairs the necessary commission which looks into these things, will consider the case on his return from the African Nations Cup.
"Hopefully then, we will get an answer - hopefully positive, but, even if it was negative, at least we would know where we are. But, at the moment we are awaiting that decision.
"Will it be next week? I don't know. Fifa have not yet said, we have not been told a date."
Hodgson continued: "I am more disappointed for Daniel Cousin, because he came here in good faith, and we took him here in good faith, and Rangers reluctantly agreed to sell him to us.
"I'm still in contact with [Rangers boss] Walter Smith - we've been going past each other for two days, leaving voice messages - but I will be in touch with him, to find out what he thinks about the situation, and what the next move is."
Ultimately, though, Hodgson admits there is little either party can do, as the final decision now rests with the game's world governing body.
He said: "I suppose you could say it's frustrating, but, things you have no control over, there's not a lot of point in really letting them frustrate you.
"We don't control Fifa commissions and Fifa dates when they look at things, Fifa do.
"All we can do is ask them when that date is and they will give us the answer."
Hodgson, however, sees no reason why the deal should not be allowed to go through should Fifa give the green light.
"It's retro-active, if it's ratified, yes, he can play for us," insisted Hodgson.
"We've done all of this within the transfer window, and if the appeal is heard, it's a bit like the Benjani situation between Manchester City and Portsmouth."
Los Angeles Galaxy general manager Alexei Lalas believes the Premier League's proposal to play matches overseas is an exciting one.
The 20 clubs have agreed to explore a plan to play an extra round of games in cities across the world from the 2010-11 season.
Former USA international Lalas says the idea would be well received in his homeland.
"I see it as a great way to pit our level against what is perceived as the greatest league in the world.
"Teams have come here on tours for years, America is recognised as an emerging market, but the competition wasn't there so to see teams in meaningful games is great for the spectators."
Lalas did cast doubt on the level of interest in matches not involving the high-profile sides.
"There has to be a realistic approach in relation to the economics," added Lalas.
"Just because it's an English Premier League team doesn't mean thousands of people will come out and watch it."
Los Angeles has been suggested as a possible venue following David Beckham's move to Galaxy, and Lalas believes it would be a success
"Obviously, LA would be a huge pull and we would certainly want to partner up with teams we thought would be appropriate," he said.
The former captain spent time training with Arsenal ahead of the match as he sought to win his 100th cap but Capello decided not to pick him because it is Major League Soccer's off-season.
"Probably the decision he wasn't game-fit could have been delivered earlier so he didn't bust his gut over at Arsenal," fumed Lalas.
Wigan manager Steve Bruce has called for an end to "ridiculous" mid-season international friendlies after suffering a double blow ahead of Saturday's vital relegation clash at Sunderland.
The Latics are locked on 23 points with their opponents only two points above the drop zone.
Bruce's anger at having so little time to prepare his squad for such a crucial game has been compounded by the news he may have to do without key men Mario Melchiot and Marlon King.
Right-back Melchiot limped out of Holland's 3-0 win in Croatia with a thigh problem, leaving Bruce to wait anxiously for the results of a scan.
King, meanwhile, will not even return from international duty with Jamaica until Friday, after the striker played 90 minutes in his country's draw with Costa Rica in Kingston.
With influential forward Emile Heskey rated only "50/50" by Bruce to travel to the Stadium of Light due a back injury, the potential loss of King to jetlag would be a particularly bitter pill for the Wigan boss to swallow.
And he is adamant it is not a position he should be faced with.
"I can't believe people can have international friendlies at a time like this when there are 'six-pointers' up for grabs," bemoaned Bruce.
"I can understand get-togethers, but quite what we get out of international friendlies is beyond me - you never gain anything from them and you are left to pick up the pieces when you should be preparing for a game properly.
"Of course we want the international team to do well, everyone respects national teams, but do we really get anything out of friendly games?"
Bruce admits he will be tempted to pitch King straight into battle, particularly if Heskey is deemed unfit, but he is mindful his midweek exertions will have taken their toll.
"I've got to look at the situation. It's bad enough to get on a plane to go to Jamaica and come back, let alone having to play a game and train with jet lag," added Bruce.
"You can't be in tip-top condition. But I'll take a look at him tomorrow and see what he's like."
Birmingham co-owner David Gold has backed the Premier League's proposal to play matches overseas.
The 20 Premier League clubs agreed unanimously on Thursday to examine proposals to expand the regular season and play 10 games overseas starting in 2010-11.
The matches would be played at five venues around the world over a single weekend in January 2011. Each city would host one game on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Gold admitted it was an exciting proposal and the St Andrews surpremo is hopeful that the plan will go ahead.
"Well I think it is an exciting initiative brought about by the board of the Premier League and I have got to say Richard Scudamore and his team have come up with a fantastic proposal that gives all clubs in the Premier League the opportunity to expand their brand around the world," Gold told Sky Sports News.
"Obviously there is a lot of work to do, but initially the proposal was accepted by all 20 clubs which is very, very unusual I have to say.
"We wait and move forward and I think we will have the opportunity to discuss it further at the summer meeting and I look forward to that.
"I have never seen a mood at a board meeting quite like today and I think the reason for that is that large clubs can go abroad and expand their product and now all clubs have that opportunity to take their club brand and take it globally.
"In the past that was never the case as it has always been the big two or three clubs that had that opportunity and now it embraces all clubs throughout the league."
Middlesbrough's new Brazilian striker Afonso Alves is convinced he will be a success in the Premier League once he has settled in England.
Over 2,000 fans were in attendance at The Riverside as Boro presented their new record signing to the media.
Alves, who is contention to make his debut in the weekend's clash with Fulham, is convinced he can make an impact with Boro.
"Of course it will take some time to adapt to the speed of football over here but I think I will play my own game and I will settle in the end," he said.
"There's already a very good team here. I saw the last game at the stadium and the team made a lot of chances to score. But I still think we can improve and I hope I can help."
The 26-year-old international admitted he is already feeling good about his new life in the North East.
"I feel very much at home," he said.
"Of course only time will tell how well I will adapt but after this warm welcome I think I will give my answer with goals.
"The Premier League is a very exiting competition. I've always thought about playing here and I will do my very best to achieve everything I can."
Boro boss Gareth Southgate feels Alves could could emulate the impact made on the club by Juninho - who became a legend on Teesside during his three spells on the banks of the Tees.
"Certainly, Juninho is still a figure who is loved by everybody associated with Middlesbrough, so it would be great if in 10 years' time, people were looking back on Afonso in the same way," said Southgate.
"There is no reason why that could not happen. He is a player who was the top scorer in Europe last year and he is somebody we are very excited to have at the club.
"The players are excited, the supporters are excited and it's good that he is joining us at a time when the team is just starting to improve on the field, because it gives us an added impetus.
"You see a hunger in his game to get into the box. A lot of the strikers we have had in recent seasons have done a lot of their good work outside the box.
"He has a good physical presence, he is an athletic player, but in the end, a player of his style, you judge on the goals he scores.
"That is clearly an aspect that has been missing from our performances."
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn is remaining calm on the Premier League's proposal of staging some matches overseas.
The 20 Premier League clubs agreed unanimously on Thursday to examine proposals to expand the regular season and play 10 games overseas starting in 2010-11.
The news has met a mixed reception from fans and Quinn has urged people not to get carried away by the idea saying there is a long way to go before it becomes a reality.
"There's so much that needs to happen and maybe it's time people take a little bit of a breather on this.
"The governance of it has to be done very well. There are a lot of stakeholders to consult, the biggest one being our fans.
"But it's tantalising," he added. "And off the top of my head I would say it's the correct decision."
Quinn insisted Sunderland would only give their approval to the plan if all clubs in the top flight are treated equally.
"It will all boil down to the fact it's a Premier League thing and we're all equally treated," continued Quinn. "Certainly we would not be comfortable if we felt one club would be getting more than others.
"It has to be right for our football club."
"We voted for it," noted Quinn. "Tottenham Hotspur brought it to the table.
"Other clubs have started to do it around the world so it's the right time.
"It also helps allow us to have younger players on the bench without having to rely on them as much as we do now with only four outfield substitutes."
The Premier League have announced that all 20 clubs will be allowed to name seven substitutes in matches from next season.
A number of clubs and managers have suggested the idea to expand the number of substitutes from five to seven and the Premier League have now approved the rule change.
After a meeting of the 20 member clubs the change has been approved to replicate the regulations in European and international games.
Despite the increase in the amount of substitutes managers will still only be allowed to make three substitutions in a game.
The news will be a boost to managers who have complained that the current regulations does not allow them to keep all members of their squad happy.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore believes the idea of introducing a 39th fixture abroad is a step forward in promoting a league which has now become a worldwide 'phenomenon'.
Scudamore admits the plan is still being drawn up, and the details of the initiative are a long way from being finalised.
"In 2011- three years away we might play a 39th round, we currently play 38 matches home and away," he said.
"We might play a 39th round of ten games where all 20 Premier League teams go and play, but they play outside the UK.
"It's all to be decided. Clearly there are host cities that would like these games - we know that.
"We get approaches all the time. We get approaches to play a single game here and a single game there.
"We will look over these twelve months where those host cities might be. They will have to meet some strict criteria - obviously they will have to be able to cope with those matches.
Torres underwent scans on a hamstring injury he picked up in Spain's 1-0 win over France on Wednesday.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez lamented the injury to Torres ruling him out of this weekend's clash at Chelsea.
Scans have confirmed the full extent of the injury with the former Atletico Madrid ace suffering a tear to his hamstring.
A statement from club spokesman Ian Cotton on the club's official website, said: "Fernando was examined by medical staff when he returned to Melwood.
"A scan later confirmed their diagnosis that he suffered a hamstring tear in his right leg. Fernando is expected to be out for approximately 10 days."
It means Torres will miss the clash at Stamford Bridge as well as the FA Cup tie with Barnsley on 16th February, but Liverpool are hopeful he will be back in time for the UEFA Champions League game with Internazionale on 19th February.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits that he is feeling the pressure of winning a trophy to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.
Ferguson is hopeful that his side can pay tribute to the Busby Babes by adding another piece of silverware this season.
The Scot has admitted that the pressure is building to win a trophy but insists his players will relish the challenge.
"It makes me nervous, but it may be a good thing that the fear of failure is upon us," he told the Daily Mail.
Porto's highly-rated right-back Jose Bosingwa is flattered at being linked with Manchester United, but has played down talk of an imminent move.
The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with Aston Villa in the past, although The Red Devils are now believed to be interested with question marks hanging over the long-term fitness of Gary Neville.
Bosingwa would love to play alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Anderson and Nani at Old Trafford, but is simply concentrating on Porto for the remainder of the season.
"Being linked with United is a positive thing as it means I am performing well," Bosingwa is quoted in the News of the World.
"United are a sensational club. To play next to Cristiano Ronaldo, Anderson and Nani is such a big advantage.
"But until the end of the season I think only of Porto. I want to fight for the Champions League."
Manchester United's most decorated player Ryan Giggs believes those that don the club's red shirt have a duty to history to try and entertain.
The Old Trafford club's past is shaped by sides that played attractive football, with legendary manager Sir Matt Busby the man who first honed a desire to entertain the paying public.
And it is a mantra embraced by current boss Sir Alex Ferguson, whose own sides have always echoed those of United's past.
Speaking of the 23 people who perished in the Munich air disaster on 6th February, 1958, Giggs expressed a desire to keep their legacy alive.
"If you are representing Manchester United, you have to play in the right manner, excite supporters and wherever you go, get people off their seats," said Giggs.
"That has got to go on because that is one of the things that sets this club apart. You never stand still. It always goes forward.
"There's Juventus and Barcelona but Manchester United always seemed to have that much more support and seem that much more special.
"Of course, that is down to history and what Sir Matt did."
Fabio Capello has revealed that he will not install a full-time England captain until the World Cup qualifiers start in September.
With speculation continuing to suggest that John Terry's reign as skipper may be over it remains to be seen who the new coach will choose to give the armband to.
With Terry currently injured and as a result set to be unavailable for Capello's first game in charge against Switzerland on Wednesday, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Rio Ferdinand appear to be the leading candidates to take over the role.
Capello though has made it clear that whoever he chooses for the friendly against the Swiss a definitive decision on the situation will not be made until competitive action gets underway later in the year.
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has named a 20-man squad ahead of their friendly with Portugal on Wednesday.
The World Champions will be without Juventus keeper Ginaluigi Buffon and Milan's combative midfielder Gennaro Gattuso for the game which is to be held in Zurich, Switzerland.
Buffon currently has a back problem, while Gattuso is suffering with a thigh injury. Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero and Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano have both been left out despite their current good form, but Genoa's Marco Borriello is included for the first time after notching 12 goals in Serie A this season.
Goalkeepers: Marco Amelia (Livorno), Morgan De Sanctis (Sevilla)
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Marco Cassetti (Roma), Fabio Grosso (Lyon), Marco Materazzi (Internazionale), Massimo Oddo (AC Milan), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcleona)
Midfielders: Massimo Ambrosini (AC Milan), Albero Aquilani (Roma), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan), Franco Semioli (Fiorentina)
Forwards: Marco Borriello (Genoa), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese), Luca Toni (Bayern Munich)
The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed that a new manager could be named within the next 10 days.
Steve Staunton vacated the post back in October 2007 and numerous high-profile coaches have been linked with the position ever since.
The latest candidate to emerge as favourite for the job is Giovanni Trapattoni, who is currently in charge at Austrian side Salzburg.
Trapattoni would certainly bring plenty of experience having enjoyed considerable success with Italy, Milan, Internazionale, Fiorentina, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Benfica.
The latest meeting to discuss the situation was held on Sunday and a statement released afterwards by the FAI confirmed that the selection process was nearing completion.
Portsmouth have admitted that Jermain Defoe's reported £7.5million move from Tottenham to Fratton Park is only a loan deal - but that a full transfer will be completed later this week.
Defoe grabbed Pompey's equaliser to earn a point on his debut against Chelsea yesterday and has become an instant hero with the home fans. But the revelation that he is, initially, only on loan is yet another twist in the saga that leaves Benjani Mwaruwari still in limbo, holed up in a Manchester hotel, after his move to Manchester City ran out of time on Thursday night. But Pompey insist the two situations have no effect on each other - even though manager Harry Redknapp admitted the plan was always to sell Benjani to raise the cash to buy Defoe. Pompey are confident both transfers will go through this week when the Premier League complete their investigation over why forms from City to register Benjani did not arrive in time to beat the January transfer deadline. A Pompey spokesman explained: 'The Defoe transfer was done as an initial loan because of time restraint. 'The full documents will be signed and registered this week and this is a standard method when you have little time.' Defoe and Redknapp seemed blissfully unaware of all this after the former Tottenham and West ham striker kept up his record of scoring on debuts for different clubs with a 64th minute leveller which prevented Chelsea setting a club record of 10 straight wins - and a 10th consecutive win over Pompey. Redknapp said: 'I honestly could not tell you the exact details but (at five minutes to midnight on Thursday) the two deals were dependent on each other with us getting £9million for Benjani and spending it on Defoe. 'I feel for Benjani because at the moment he seems to be the big loser in all this, but hopefully it will all be sorted out on Monday and I think he will end up as a Manchester City player. 'If not, from a greedy football manager's point of view, I'd be delighted to get Benjani back. I didn't want to lose him in the first place but, of course, I had to because it is good business to sell a 29-year-old and get in a lad of 25 who is always going to get you goals. 'The owner has spent a lot of money here already. He's been fantastic for me and it wouldn't be fair on him if he has to spend more now (with nothing coming back).'Former England manager Steve McClaren believes his successor Fabio Capello must name John Terry as his long-term captain if he wants to get the best out of the Chelsea defender.
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is expected to be handed the armband in Wednesday's friendly clash with Switzerland at Wembley, with Terry absent because of injury. But it appears to be a straight fight between the two to be named Capello's on-field leader when the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup gets under way in the autumn. McClaren, who was sacked after England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, opted for the Chelsea man during his ill-fated tenure - and he has implored the Italian to do the same. 'The bottom line is that Steven Gerrard doesn't need to be England captain, but you get an extra 10% from JT if he's in charge,' he told the News of the World. 'I'm not saying John is less of a player when he's not captain but, since he was a kid, he's been used to being a leader on the pitch. 'Stevie is similar to (David) Beckham in that he leads by what he does on the pitch. 'John is totally different. He gives orders, he organises people and he'll put his body on the line every time.'Jermain Defoe has been called into the England squad to face Switzerland on Wednesday following the withdrawal of Gabriel Agbonlahor due to injury.
Defoe, who scored on his debut for Portsmouth yesterday following his move from Tottenham on Thursday night, was drafted in after Agbonlahor limped off during Aston Villa's Barclays Premier League defeat to Fulham today. It is understood that England manager Fabio Capello has stressed to Defoe that the fact he has moved clubs and is now a first choice striker puts him right into his reckoning for international consideration. Defoe had not been in Capello's initial 30-man provisional squad announced last week, but he was a Tottenham player at the time and his change of club has pushed him up the pecking order in Capello's mind, though he would also have been aided by the loss of Emile Heskey to injury yesterday. A Football Association spokesman confirmed the change to the squad following the desperately disappointing news for Agbonlahor who had been in line to make his England debut. The FA spokesman explained: ``We have called Jermain Defoe into the squad after Gabriel Agbonlahor was ruled out.'' The 21-year-old Villa striker will not be required to join up with the squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly at Wembley.Carlos Tevez scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser to give Manchester United a point as they drew 1-1 with Tottenham but surrended their place at the top of the Barclays Premier League to Arsenal.
Dimitar Berbatov looked like he had given Juande Ramos' outfit all three points with his 14th goal of the season in the 21st minute at White Hart Lane. But an outswinging corner from Luis Nani found Tevez inside the six-yard box and his shot took a deflection off Michael Dawson before it went past goalkeeper Radek Cerny. The result sees Sir Alex Ferguson's side fall two points behind Arsenal who claimed a 3-1 win over Manchester City in the day's early kick-off. Emmanuel Adebayor was the hero for the Gunners at Eastlands as he struck twice to down City. The Togo International opened the scoring for Arsene Wenger's side in the ninth minute with a close-range finish after good work down the right by Bacary Sagna. Adebayor then had a hand in Arsenal's second in the 26th minute when he headed Gael Clichy's cross back across goal for Eduardo Da Silva, who produced a superb finish on the turn. Sven Goran Eriksson's side pulled one back through Gelson Fernandes two minutes later but Adebayor hit his 21st goal of the season in the 88th minute to seal the points for the Gunners. Jermain Defoe paid back part of his transfer fee after he netted on his debut to give Portsmouth a point in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Fratton Park. Nicolas Anelka had put Chelsea 1-0 up with a close-range finish in the 55th minute after good work by Joe Cole down the right flank. But former Spurs striker Defoe seized on Milan Baros' header and directed his shot into the bottom-left corner of the net to pull Pompey level nine minutes later. Emanuel Villa headed a dramatic equaliser two minutes from time to give Derby a point in a 1-1 draw with Birmingham at St Andrews. Sebastian Larsson's 68th-minute strike had given the Blues the lead but Villa latched on to a cross from Dean Leacock to equalise for Paul Jewell's side. Reading remain without a win in 2008 after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bolton at the Madejski Stadium. Kevin Nolan made amends for Matthew Taylor's 23rd-minute penalty miss when he smashed home Kevin Davies' knockdown past goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann 10 minutes later to open the scoring. Gary Megson's side doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Heidar Helguson latched on to Taylor's cross before he stroked the ball home. Wigan climbed out of drop zone after Kevin Kilbane headed home a Ryan Taylor free-kick on the stroke of half-time to give them a 1-0 victory over West Ham at the JJB Stadium. Elsewhere Blackburn and Everton played out a goalless draw at Ewood Park. On Sunday, Jimmy Bullard scored a late winner to earn relegation-haunted Fulham a vital Barclays Premier League victory against Aston Villa at Craven Cottage. Bullard, who spent 16 months out with a career-threatening knee injury, scored a superb free-kick to give Roy Hodgson his first win since he replaced Lawrie Sanchez as manager. Midfielder Simon Davies had levelled in the 72nd minute after Aaron Hughes had scored an own goal to put Villa in front four minutes earlier. And Michael Owen's return to goalscoring form could not secure Kevin Keegan his first win as Middlesbrough fought back to deny Newcastle all three points. German international defender Robert Huth headed home an 87th-minute Julio Arca cross to cancel out Owen's 60th-minute strike and extend the Magpies' winless Barclays Premier League run to eight games. But it might have been even worse with the Teessiders having an injury-time effort from Jeremie Aliadiere ruled out for offside.